Environmental groups Save Our Sperrins and Act Now handed more than 4,000 petition signatures to the Planning Appeals Commission office in Belfast. The signatures demand changes to make the public inquiry into Dalradian's proposed gold mine in the Sperrin Mountains more accessible.

The petition requests a live stream of proceedings, public video recordings, and options for expert witnesses to join remotely. These measures would apply before the inquiry resumes on April 13. Organisers state that current arrangements exclude many residents due to work, health, or caring duties.

Marella Fyffe of Save Our Sperrins described the process as inaccessible without digital options, limiting participation for local and downstream communities. Roan Ellis-O'Neill of Act Now noted public frustration with perceived insufficient democratic engagement since the inquiry's suspension.

The inquiry halted on January 15, 2025, after the Department for Infrastructure failed to follow rules on consultations crossing into the Republic of Ireland. Dalradian submitted plans in 2017 for an underground mine producing metals including gold. The company forecasts 1,000 jobs and over £2 billion in tax revenues for Northern Ireland.

Dalradian states it excluded cyanide from processing, plans a water treatment facility, and commits to site restoration during and after operations. Political figures have voiced support amid delays. DUP leader Gavin Robinson called the delays a disgrace during a January Northern Ireland Affairs Committee session.

Former US ambassador Peter Mandelson hosted a 2025 Washington event attended by deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, and Dalradian representatives. Mandelson contacted Northern Ireland's top civil servant about the company's concerns over hold-ups. Ulster Unionist Party members toured the site last June.